CPU-Z is the easiest way to check dual-channel.

Sure. You don’t need to guess. Install the second stick, boot up, and open CPU-Z (free, lightweight). Click the “Memory” tab — look for “Channel #”. If it says “Dual”, you’re good. That’s it.

If you’d rather not download anything, Windows Task Manager also works. Go to the Performance tab > Memory. Look for “Slots used” and “Form factor”. It’ll usually say “2 of 2” and “Dual” if it’s working. Not always perfectly reliable, but close enough.

Most laptops with two physical RAM slots support dual-channel automatically — as long as both sticks are the same capacity, speed, and ideally the same brand. If you mix a 8GB with a 16GB, it’ll still run in a mode called “flex mode” (partially dual, partially single). Not ideal, but it works.

If CPU-Z says “Single”, double